What Is the Vulva? The Difference Between the Vulva and the Vagina

In brief:

• The vulva is the genital area you can see from the outside; the vagina is the canal inside (ACOG).
• Parts of the vulva: the outer lips (labia majora), the inner lips (labia minora), the clitoris, the area around the vaginal opening (vestibule) and the Bartholin's glands on either side (ACOG).
• Noticeable folds of skin around the vaginal opening are completely normal (NHS).
• Water and plain soap are enough to wash the genital area; douching, perfumed products and vaginal deodorants are not recommended (NHS, ACOG).
• If you notice itching, burning, pain or skin changes on your vulva, see a doctor (ACOG).

What is the vulva?

According to ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), the vulva is a woman's external genital area. Its parts:

• Outer lips (labia majora): the outer folds of skin.
• Inner lips (labia minora): the inner folds of skin.
• Clitoris: a sexual organ located near the vaginal opening.
• Vestibule: the tissue around the vaginal opening.
• Bartholin's glands: two glands under the skin on either side of the vaginal opening. They release a fluid that helps with lubrication during sex.

What is the difference between the vulva and the vagina?

According to ACOG, the vagina is a tube-like structure surrounded by muscles that leads from the womb to the outside of the body. The opening of the womb into the vagina is called the cervix (NHS).

So the vagina is inside, while the vulva is the area you can see from the outside. This difference matters for everyday care:

• Vulva: the outer area. According to the NHS, the genital area can be washed with water and plain soap.
• Vagina: the inner canal. The NHS advises not washing inside the vagina, not douching and not using vaginal deodorants.

We explain intimate area and vulva care in detail in A Guide to Intimate Area Care. The acidic environment of the vagina is covered in What Is Vaginal pH, What Should It Be and How Is It Measured?.

Does the vulva look different from person to person?

Yes. According to the NHS, noticeable folds of skin around the vaginal opening are completely normal and usually cause no problems. The inner lips keep developing after puberty, into early adulthood (NHS).

Two sources' warnings about cosmetic procedures to change the appearance of the genital area:

• ACOG: genital cosmetic procedures aimed at changing appearance or sexual function are not medically necessary. They carry serious risks, and their safety and effectiveness have not been shown. Risks include pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, loss of sensation and pain during sex.
• NHS: surgery to reduce the inner lips should not be done before 18. You should talk to a doctor first; there may be an underlying cause of discomfort that can be treated.

We explain changes in colour in the genital area in Why Does the Intimate Area Darken?.

How should you clean the vulva?

ACOG's tips that may help prevent or relieve vulvar problems:

• Keep the vulva clean by rinsing with lukewarm water; pat dry gently without rubbing.
• Do not wear tight trousers or tight underwear; choose cotton underwear.
• Do not wear tights unless they have a cotton crotch.
• Do not use pads or tampons that contain deodorant or have a plastic coating.
• Do not use perfumed soap or scented toilet paper.
• Do not douche; do not use feminine sprays or talcum powder.

The NHS's tips for preventing bacterial vaginosis are similar:

• Wash your genital area with water and plain soap; take showers instead of baths.
• Do not put perfumed soaps, bubble bath, shampoo, shower gel or antiseptic liquids in the bath.
• Do not use vaginal deodorants, vaginal washes or douches.
• Do not wash your underwear with strong detergent.

What problems commonly affect the vulva?

According to ACOG, conditions that can affect the vulva include:

• Folliculitis: small, red, sometimes painful bumps caused by bacteria in hair follicles. It can happen with shaving, waxing or friction and often goes away by itself.
• Contact dermatitis: irritation of the skin by things such as soap, fabric or perfume. It can cause severe itching, burning and stinging.
• Bartholin's cyst: a swelling next to the vaginal opening caused by a blocked gland. It is usually painless; if it becomes infected, it can turn into a painful abscess.
• Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus: skin conditions that can cause itching, burning and pain during sex; the skin of the vulva may look thin and white.
• Infections: yeast infections and sexually transmitted infections such as genital herpes.
• Menopause: as oestrogen falls, dryness, burning, itching and irritation may increase; the vulva becomes more sensitive to irritants.

We explain the causes of vulvar itching in What Causes Vaginal Itching? and the changes in menopause in Why Do Intimate Care Needs Change During Menopause?.

When should you see a doctor?

According to ACOG, see a gynaecologist or doctor if:

• You notice a change in the skin of your vulva
• You have itching, burning or pain
• You have a swelling, sore or colour change on your vulva that does not go away
• A painful swelling has formed next to your vaginal opening

A doctor may examine you, ask about your pain and daily habits and, if needed, take a sample of discharge. In some cases a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be needed for a diagnosis (ACOG).

Frequently asked

Are the vulva and the vagina the same thing?

No. The vulva is the genital area you can see from the outside: the lips, the clitoris and the area around the vaginal opening. The vagina is the inner canal that leads from the womb to the outside (ACOG).

How should you clean the vulva?

According to ACOG, rinsing with lukewarm water and patting dry without rubbing is enough. The NHS recommends water and plain soap for the genital area. The inside of the vagina is not washed; douching, vaginal deodorants and perfumed products are not recommended (NHS, ACOG).

Is it normal for the inner lips to be longer than the outer lips?

According to the NHS, noticeable folds of skin around the vaginal opening are completely normal and usually cause no problems. If you feel any discomfort, ask your doctor.

What causes bumps on the vulva?

One possible cause is folliculitis from shaving, waxing or friction; it often goes away by itself (ACOG). If the bumps do not go away or get bigger, see a doctor (ACOG).